Nelson: Yes, it’s crazy to think about how long we’ve been doing this. But it’s been a blast, and we’re so grateful to all the fans who have supported us over the years. It’s been a wild ride, but we wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Corbett: Yeah, it’s amazing to think about how far we’ve come since those early days. RiffTrax has really allowed us to continue doing what we love and connecting with our audience in a whole new way. It’s been a great experience.
Looking back on your time with “MST3K,” what are some of your favorite memories?
Murphy: Oh, there are so many great memories from our time on “MST3K.” The camaraderie with the crew, the laughs we shared on set, and of course, getting to riff on all those terrible movies. It was truly a one-of-a-kind experience.
Nelson: I think one of my favorite memories was when we did the “Manos: The Hands of Fate” episode. That movie was just so incredibly bad, but we had a blast tearing it apart. It’s moments like that where you realize just how special “MST3K” really was.
Corbett: For me, it was always the fans. The support and love we received from the fans of the show was truly incredible. It’s what kept us going all those years, and it’s what continues to drive us today. We owe so much to them.
As the trio gears up for their return to “MST3K,” fans are eagerly anticipating what new movies they will tackle and what hilarious moments are in store. With their unique brand of humor and wit, Nelson, Murphy, and Corbett are sure to deliver another round of unforgettable episodes. The revival of “Mystery Science Theater 3000” promises to be a treat for fans both old and new, and the anticipation is palpable as the countdown to the new episodes begins. After 20 years since the last episodes of “Mystery Science Theater 3000,” the creators and cast members, including Kevin Murphy, Bill Corbett, and Mike Nelson, have learned valuable lessons that they are excited to bring to the new episodes of the show. One significant improvement they have made is in their riffing skills. They have learned to take their time, let the movie set up the jokes, and deliver punch lines effectively. They have also realized the importance of not filling every moment with jokes, as audiences appreciate moments of dead space.
When asked why more people haven’t attempted riffing to the extent they have, the cast members explained that riffing is a highly technical form of writing that requires a unique skill set. It can be challenging and even masochistic at times, but they have honed their craft over the years and become experts in the field. They have developed a keen sense for choosing movies that will work well with their style of riffing, focusing on classic bad films rather than modern ones.
As for the selection of movies for the new episodes, the team is targeting films that align with the classic “Mystery Science Theater” style – corny and delightfully bad. They are looking for movies that fit well with the puppets and the overall tone of the show. While “Mystery Science Theater” was known for being family-friendly, RiffTrax has a more adventurous and edgier approach to riffing.
Despite the option to partner with platforms like Netflix, the team has decided to release the episodes on RiffTrax independently. They prefer to have full creative control over the project and avoid external influences that may alter their vision. Additionally, they have had experiences with other platforms changing their payment terms unexpectedly, leading them to prioritize independence in distribution.
In conclusion, the creators and cast members of “Mystery Science Theater 3000” have learned valuable lessons over the years that they are excited to bring to the new episodes of the show. Their improved riffing skills, refined selection process for movies, and commitment to creative independence set the stage for a successful revival of the beloved series.
